All the activities and the hustle and bustle inside the Department of Tourism are understandable. Transition is like a pain that needs pain killers. Sometimes the pain killer may take awhile to take effect. But the pronouncements of DOT in the newspapers and the different activities that are going on around the country are all about tourism products development and infrastructure. Observing this, something is amiss.

Yes, something is missing. The action towards making a competitive MICE industry towards our ASEAN country is missing. It seems it is out of the picture for our new DOT leadership. I hope not.

Meetings, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) are business boosters and it gives a stronger punch than backpack tourism.

In MICE the economic activities will be more long lasting.

Look at China; a country that sets-up huge convention centres in each of its cities and it is reaping the rewards in return. Look at Singapore and Hongkong, they have a very efficient MICE structure that attract and complement their tourism destinations. Look at Thailand, and even Vietnam they have a better public and private MICE machinery that have overtook us.

To our Department of Tourism, creating a MICE department or office in DOT will not be enough. A concrete and a strategic action plan is needed. The industry and all the organizations involve in MICE are ready to help.

Just don’t dare to forget about MICE, if you do any painkiller will not alleviate the pain and ailments of our tourism and MICE industry – a neglect that is an anti-thesis of targeting high value tourists.

I visited an event last Friday at a venue in Pasay. I was surprised that in the newspaper the announcement was Free Entrance and yet when I entered the event the organizer is asking for a P100.00 entrance fee.

I did not make any argument and dutifully paid the P100.00. As an organizer, I know how it is hard to survive the event even to make it break-even. However, this should not be an excuse. As organizers, what was announced to the public must be honoured regardless what is the financial conditions of the organizer or the event. We have a duty to deliver to the exhibition visitors – to give what was announced and promised.

Between surviving a financially problematic event and being honourable, I would rather lose money than lose face. I would rather side with the ethical dimension of the event than the financial dimension of the event when this two collide.

Let this be a reminder to all organizers of exhibitions and conventions. Money will always come back to those who know how to honour commitments and promises.

I may write the organizer even if it is not a member of PACEOS so that they will tow the line of what should be a conduct of a Filipino organizer. By doing this, I hope they will wake-up and realize this major error they have done.

I must say the wait is worth it! I am talking about tonight’s PCCI General Membership Meeting where Secretary Gregory Domingo, Department of Trade and Industry, is the guest speaker. He was late (not because of the lack of wang –wang but because of the ongoing cabinet meeting) but it is forgivable. My point is to listen to some policy changes that he plans to implement in the department.

I am not disappointed. He reiterated some of the plans that will take place “in the near future” (the bold words are his favourite; he uttered it many times during his talk). Here are some that might interest you:

Fast Tracking of the business registration turnaround time

Creation of the Philippine Business Registry – a sort of directory of the population of the all companies existing in the country

Focus on certified DTI SMEs that has undergone training and has shown potential for growth, they will be supported of funds and trained further if they pass profitability and marketability metrics of the government

Protection of the consumer

Importation fast tracking system to our importers who have good records

Tight monitoring of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Trade Agreements that will favour to our country’s interest

Very few but needed and doable action plans. Although I just would like to comment that something must be done to address our Business Competitiveness Ranking, we are now rank 87. Vietnam which last year was rank 70, which we are following (we are rank 71 last year) has improved to rank 57. As you can see we have deteriorated.

Honourable Secretary Gregory Domingo we hope you can do something about it. We have so much potential, we just need strong fundamentals.

The last time I talked about airports it feels like I am ranting. But of course I do. I believe that we must rant in order to be felt by the government and private sectors that are powerful to make some change in our airports.

It seems my ranting is working. I know that I am not the only one making comments about our airports, there are millions of nationalistic Pinoys praying and hoping to someday see an airport that would be like an edifice that everybody can be proud of.

Last time I have heard it was Manny Pangilinan who wanted to develop Clark Airport, I feel elated and looking forward in him making it happen. However, today it hit the major dailies that a consortium backed by the Malaysian government is willing to pour $150 Million in direct investments to jumpstart Clarks Airport Development.

I say things are looking a bit rosy. I say if all transactions are above board then let us do it. Secretary Alberto Lim, Department of Toursim, said that it is his priority. P-Noy emphasized this focus on making infrastructure a center piece of his leadership in the government to uplift not only our economy but our spirit as a country that is eager to embrace development.

Again, let us do it and make a dash to the finish line of having an International Airport that will make tourists feel great upon landing in our country and our Balikbayan and OFWs proud upon returning to their country.

It is what every products and services want. It is what all companies battle to acquire. They know that when their products and services achieve high visibility in a particular event they will have an upper hand in their competition in the long run.

So I ask why are companies not aggressive enough to acquire it when joining expo and tradeshows.

Is it because of the investment requirements?

There are many ways no to spend a lot in achieving high visibility in events. A concentrated activity in a particular timeslot is one way and having said this you have to figure other creative ways to maximize events.

For the engagement the events provide is more than the investment that you will place into it. Just try once and you will see what I mean with it.

The move of Leyte and Mati, Davao to grab a chunk of the local and international market by developing infrastructure is a welcome development.

Leyte has been receiving a lot of inquiries for events but is not able accommodate it because of lack of facilities. Currently, it has an existing convention center owned by the government that can house 3,000 people. In Tacloban, the highly urbanized area of Leyte there is only 870 rooms. Indeed improvement in infrastructure is badly needed in order to attract MICE activities.

One of the famous tourist spot in Leyte is the Mac-Arthur Shrine.

Mati, Davao on the other hand boasts a virgin nature comparable to Palawan. There are also a lot of beaches in Davao that tourists are already visiting. It has Pujada Bay and Dahican beach, a beach is favourable for surfing.

Both these provinces need investors and their aggressive moves are positive signs that these two places will be a MICE hub and tourist magnet in the coming months.

It’s Friday and events in Metro Manila is more than a handful but I will be going around the Metro to see three events that interests me.

First is the 1st Philippine Chocolate and Ice Cream Show at the World Trade Center, new events like this gets me excited. I wanted to know what it is all about and also to show support to the organizer which is a newbie or the first time I have heard of them.

Second, it’s the annual Philippine Franchising Expo at SMX Convention Center. The vibrancy of this event is one indicator of how our economy will fare. Visitors here are all businessmen and entrepreneurs, all wanting to see opportunities in starting a business or expanding an existing business.

Lastly, my life is not about business events because if ever that will be it will be such a bore right? So I am going to watch a Cinemalaya movie, in my top list is “Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio” directed by Mario O Hara. I have heard and read good reviews of this one so I am not depriving myself a chance to have it slip by and not watch it.

Yes, I know majority watch commercial movies meant for entertainment but in Cinemalaya watching movies are not only for entertainment but for mental and spiritual stimulation. I am afraid only few wanted to go there at this point in time but I believe someday soon the public will buy this kind of movies and ideas.

It is a crazy Friday, the Metro is still recovering from Basyang’s fury, but scheduled events and expo must continue and that is a true hallmark of an event organizer that lives in the dictum that the show must go on.

Just before it gets totally out of my head and completely forgotten I must share to you why I enjoyed reading “Catching Fire” of Suzanne Collins her sequel to the equally blockbuster “Hunger Games”.

It has been almost three months since I finished this book but many developments prevented me for giving my say to this nice piece of work.

Anyways, “Catching Fire” as a story shows the importance of symbols. In Katniss Everdeen’s universe she has become a symbol to oppressed people of different districts in Panem. Her insignia the Mockingjay, a hybrid of a mocking bird and a jabber jay, has become her representation, a symbol of their support to the uprising that is about to take place because of Katniss unconscious but witty action in the first book “Hunger Games” where she defied the authoritarian regime of Panem.

This show of defiance stokes the fire of rebellion and the Mockingjay insignia became a symbol of the revolution and of hope in toppling the oppressive regime.

We saw the power of symbols in Da Vinci Code and immediately fell in love with Robert Langdon. Even in the movie American Treasure we fell in love with Nicholas Cage character. In real life, the color yellow symbolizes hope and catapulted PNOY to power in the Philippines.

I know this may have been discussed a lot of times but in events one of the ingredients to make it successful are symbols that create connections with its target audience. One of the symbols or the most important symbol of all is the logo of the event. It maybe trivial to some but to those who knows well a logo that sinks inside the target markets consciousness create a very formidable contribution to the positive results of the event.

Symbols cannot be encapsulated by a number of beautifully stringed words. It lives and grows inside each and every attendee in an event or expo.

This is why I am very thankful for”Catching Fire” for reaffirming in me what I have already known. Now I am in a waiting mode as to when will the third sequel of the book will land in the Philippines that will be one of the best days of my life in the year 2010.

I don’t know what is going on but it seems that organizations are racing against time to develop and grow their people. I said this because I have observed that there is a growing need for events that provides knowledge on how to develop people and talents.

If some say there is a glut they are totally wrong! I talked to one organizer and the demand is so high that he was forced to push thru with another event that is out of his calendar of events just to cater to the demands he is receiving.

At this point, I am only talking with big events like conferences. In fact this year, there are four big events happening to answer and provide knowledge on people management or human resource management.

If we go to public workshops and seminars there are a very large number of these happening every day, not to mention that some big companies that can afford to hold it in-house.

So what does this trend say to us? For one, we have a people problem that we need to address. Second, we are constantly searching on how to improve productivity in the workplace. Third, people are in a constant flux that we need to be abreast on their dynamics and prevent or prognosticate the best way to manage them and bring out their full potential.

I am overjoyed at what I am seeing in this particular landscape, the thirst for knowledge and understanding Being is placed on one of the highest ladder in the corporate environment. This is good or so good.

Lastly, in the conference event perspective meetings like these among people contribute to the growth of the MICE industry. Sometimes when I read foreign newspapers I can’t help but wonder why some of our people or HR events are better in content when we are still nowhere near part of the developed nations.

On the other hand, I admonish some groups who create events with poor content and speakers. It becomes pretty obvious that they are in only to take advantage of the market and make money.We should stay alert and raise our early warning device when we see events like these.

Already in a span of two days I have read news about our government’s plan in cornering a chunk of tourism market.

According to AFP, “ the government aims to double tourism revenues in six years while avoiding the mass-market route taken by some of its Southeast Asian neighbours, the country’s tourism secretary told”.

In the article, the government focus on strengthening infrastructure with emphasis on cultural , medical tourism and the beaches.

While I agree in all points enumerated in the news the came out in Business World dated July 12 (just one day after an article came out in Philippine Star on Boracay’s overdensity), I scratched my head that there is no mention of MICE as one of the key drivers in veering away from mass-market and attracting high value tourist visitors.

There are already an excess of study that MICE as an important part of tourism attracts businessmen and potential investors which spend 4 times compared to backpackers and almost always entertain the possibility of setting-up shops in the country that leads to job generation.

The growth of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Hongkong will never be possible without MICE playing an important role. In fact, mega events like F1, ASEAN conventions and meetings are what attract high value visitors.

It is not only that MICE provides higher income they brought along with them new knowledge and technology that our country can enjoy as we push harder in realizing our dreams to be a developed nation.

Yes, promoting our beaches and taking care of it is important. Yes, creating museums and displaying artefacts and giving solid support to cultural activities will make Philippines more attractive to tourist. If we add infrastructure that provides access to our country then will surely multiply the tourism receipts that we are getting.

However, if we do not give a special attention to MICE and neglect it for the coming six years the number of meetings and visitors generated last 2008 and 2009 which are already spiralling down will only get smaller.

The English proficiency which we are so proud of will not be fully maximized because it is in MICE that this competitive advantage we can immediately harness and put into good use.

I understand that there are so many concerns in our tourism industry but in my humble opinion we must never forget MICE – it is a tourism activity that churns lasting impact.

China has set-up many convention halls that dwarf our biggest convention hall here. If this is not an indication that we must use MICE as a weapon I don’t know what else is this sector needs to do to be appreciated by our government.

An article that came out July 11 in Philippines Star and was picked-up by Yahoo News said that DOT Secretary Alberto Lim find Boracay so dense and is alarmed by the algae that grows which he attributes to hotel and many establishments sewerage system.

Asked if the government can do something about it he mentioned that there is a possibility that the government cannot halt overdevelopment in this 10.3 square kilometre paradise.

I feel sad that already the white flag is being raised by our incoming Secretary of Tourism to the difficult situation that Boracay is in. What I know is that the associations and different cause oriented groups in Boracay can be called to action, most especially if the long term view is presented to them in all honesty. I should know I have talked to two of hotel operators and one government official when I was there.

True! Boracay has become dense because the place has turned-out to be one of the best beach party places in the world. We cannot deny the fact that it has also created a lot of jobs. Some nearby provinces have benefited from Boracay in terms of providing jobs for their citizenry.

If ever Caticlan Airport development pushes thru then we can see an additional increase of people visiting to Boracay. Seeing this possible reality, the DOT headed by our new secretary must make drastic actions. Giving-up and raising the white flag is not one of them.

In the face of Boracay’s popularity and the economic benefits that it offers vis-a-vis the threat of losing the island’s beauty because of the overdevelopment I strongly suggest that a strong and firm political will must be imposed in the island.

Our country has a lot of experts to craft a creative solutions to problems that bedevil the island. If there will be no under the table transactions and self interest will be pushed at the back burner, all things are possible.

In India, the public-private initiatives have work wonders. I think this can also happen in Boracay’s case. Our government and the private entities that are involved sit down they must have as the guiding principle in threshing out solutions the operative world BALANCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

Again, it is not yet time to throw in the towel. Also not yet time to suggest that tourist go somewhere else in the country. All of these mean fleeing to the root of the problem.

I strongly believe there are a lot of solutions to this current imbroglio; we just need to sit down and talk.

Globalization has change the way we do business. On the other hand, internet made it possible for unknown brands to compete and corner markets around the world.

It is also interesting to note that in order for countries to grow it must nurture small and medium business and forward to cause of entrepreneurs.

The dynamics of these critical areas and concepts are what will be discuss in the upcoming 8th Strategic Marketing Conference with the them Pinoy as a Global Brand, slated this July 30, 2010, at the Aliw Theater.

More than an array of speakers, what always excites me is the StratMark Competition between different universities. This is where I get to hear and enjoy fresh ideas coming from the youth.

So buckle your seat belt and we are in for a ride in this annual event that has made Philippine Marketing one of the best events in Asia.

It started as just a simple hobby. A release from the ordinary work life has imposed upon us in order to sustain our daily needs. Yet some people know how to harness the respite to something more powerful and productive. One of these groups is called WeeWillDoodle.

WeeWillDoodle is a group of artist deeply in love with the power of doodle. For them it is doodle or die. It is a spontaneous creation that harness the power of”being in nothingness”.

This passion gets noticed by many companies, what once was a hobby has now become a successful business. Yet for them, it is still the same, a passion to create spontaneously, a love for doodle.

Luckily, you will get to hear them at the upcoming Negosyo Power Expo, August 20-22 at Trinoma Mall. Be inspired and turn your hobbies to business by listening to Ms. Jhoan Medrano, of WeeWillDoodle, as she shares the groups best kept secret in making their endeavour a rousing success.

Best of all, all attendees who finish the one day or three days of seminar will get to have a certificate of attendance.

The 2nd Negosyo Power Expo, is a business exhibit that aims to promote entrepreneurship and Small, Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country. It is a must see event for those looking for business opportunities.

If you want to be a partner , you may call tel # 643-3887 or 640-1280. The event is produced and organized by EX-LINK Management and Marketing Services Corporation.

The Philippine Association of Convention, Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS) came in full force to welcome and show their full support to incoming Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Alberto Lim held last July 5 at Manila Peninsula.

PACEOS is the national organization of the Philippines for Meetings, Incentives, Convention and Exhibition (MICE).

The event is a gathering of tourism industry players from different sectors that aims to show how enthusiastic and supportive the industry to Secretary Lim.

In return, Secretary Lim showed his deep appreciation and elaborated his plans to the industry. Foremost is the improvement of tourism infrastructure critical in providing accessibility to tourists in different landmarks of the country.

He also revealed that his team will study the different tourist products of the country in order to effectively position it to make it attractive to the global market.

The 2nd Negosyo Power Expo slated this August 20-22 at Trinoma Mall will feature as one of its topics “Personal Money Management for OFWs” to be conducted by Mark So, CEO of Business Maker Academy.

The seminar is intended for OFWs and OFW families who are seeking ways to manage properly their money. The seminar is for free as part of the advocacy of the event.

The Negosyo Power Expo as an event that features business exhibit and free seminars aims to spread entrepreneurship in the country and support the trade marketing promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

Other surprises like free samplings, raffles and giveaways are in stored for visitors. Most importantly, seminar attendees who completed one day to three days of the seminar will have certificate of attendance.

The battle cry is well written in everyone’s running shirt’s back, it will remind you each time you are about to give-up. There are 4,000 runners and on this fine day, each has reasons why they decided to participate in this great event.

I am talking about the Milo 34th National Marathon an annual event that exhibits runners and Filipino spirit of tenacity and bayanihan. This year the event is dedicated to giving shoes to less fortunate children in the provinces.

Each runner participating is equal to a pair of shoe to a child. I feel honoured that I have joined the event, that a child will have a shoes because of my participation is satisfying.

This is the reason we make this event an EXLINK event, all the members of the organization are obligated to join the event. It is an event that has a social call, and we can only say yes to this great call.

Of course, the branding of MILO in this event will go down to the deepest recesses of our hearts and minds because it is more that an event for profit. It is an exhibit of an organization that takes care and make sure that its social responsibilities are performed.

Congrats to the MILO Event Organizer! However, just one thing, I hope that the baggage counter will be orderly next year. Some of the EXLINK staff got trapped in the stampede because of this area.

Oh well, this minor improvement will not diminish the experience to be part of this event.

See you again next year!

This is a dream event for me. I will train to run in this distance, next!

In the Tourism Industry, the excitement cannot be contained as to who will be the new DOT Secretary. Alas, P-Noy announced that the new steward of the tourism industry is none other than Sec. Alberto Lim.

From the tourism congress newsletter, it was reported that he has a 38 years of experience engaged in business, government and civil society.

He won several local and international awards under his company Ten Knots Development for environmental conservation. He was also an executive director of the Makati Business Club, a very active business organization in the country.

Many are expecting that Sec. Alberto Lim will bring his private orientation in the government institution. This mindset will definitely benefit the tourism industry.

Secretary Ace Durano in his term contributed to jump starting the promotion of our country in Europe and other parts of the globe, although the 3.2 Million visitors are very small compared to Malaysia’s 24 Million visitors. Having said this, much works has to be done.

The start of a new dynamic with the inception of the Tourism Congress and the Philippine Tourism Board is another thing that is worth watching. Plus the call of P-Noy to strengthen our tourism that is clearly indicated in the first Philippine Marketing Plan.

All in all, there is so much to expect and to look forward too.

We have what it takes to be the darling of Asia but we have to work hard because other countries are strategically placing themselves as the magnet of tourists. Actually, we must work much harder because too much politicking have affected our tourism industry that we are considered as one of the laggards in the world.

Secretary Alberto Lim our prayers goes with you and we will be here to support any actions that you take in uplifting our industry. Secretary the odds are against us but we are Filipinos, we never give-up and we are already in the bottom level of the ladder so there is nothing to lose. We have only one way to go but up.